Learning support

The main aim of providing Learning Support is to nurture confidence and resilience in our students to enable them to develop as learners and as people. We recognise that some students may need help at certain times to achieve their full potential, and the Learning Support department provides a friendly and supportive environment for this. We celebrate individual strengths while helping students address their challenges. Some students require short-term help to develop and improve their study skills, whilst others may have a specific learning difference and need to follow a programme tailored to the needs of the individual. In most cases students who join the school with a specific learning difference will be encouraged to follow the same curriculum as the rest of their year group. This gives them time to further develop study skills and explore subjects in which they can excel.as We recognise growth in confidence and self-esteem is key to learning. On entry to school in Year 7, all students are screened which enables us to recognise strengths and weaknesses. Both academic and pastoral teams meet regularly to monitor progress of all students and raise any student of concern with the Learning Support department. Our department offers support by interventions covering areas such as time management, organisation, revision strategies and examination techniques. Discrete support from a teaching assistant in the classroom and during prep time is available. If additional specialist support is required, the student might attend for a short course of study skills or access longer term support with a group. Certain students may wish to access individual and bespoke 1:1 support, for which there is a charge. If you are interested in this level of support for your daughter, please let us know. The need for exam access arrangements is assessed during Year 9, as well as feedback from internal exams and if eligible, evidence of need will be collected to make an application during the GCSE courses.

By having high expectations and developing positive working relationships, we aim to maximise opportunities and success for all our students with additional needs.